Various - Come To My World: A Brief History of Indie-pop 1985-2023 (Two Piers)(2024)(CD)(UK Import)

 

Wow, a nice collection of indie-pop from the UK. Check out the line-up of bands and songs below. From what I can tell, this seems to be the selection of three individuals that looked deep into their own collections and tried to capture some the Indie-pop sounds from this very broad era (1985-2023!). It is excellent. Note-this is not power pop. This is more of a jingly-jangly set. All is good! Check out Blueboy's - Meet Johnny Ray to get a sense of the style and sound. 

One good thing to note. These selectors state that their is tons more bands and songs out there so maybe we get more volumes(?) Hope so!

The Verve - A Northern Soul (Vernon Yard Recordings)(1995)(CD)

 

I am a big fan of Richard Ashcroft's solo work but I missed out on his band, The Verve. I should not have. This first album is a stone-cold killer. This album reminds me of when Britpop was a thing and it was glorious. Great songs, great mood, and great album. A must. Best song, among many, is History. Need to get all their albums.

Deep Sea Diver - Billboard Heart (SubPop)(2025)(CD)

 

I am a fan of Deep Sea Diver. Full stop. Deep Sea Diver is the music outlet for Jessica Dobson (ex Beck. Shins guitarist among other gigs). I think Jessica is very talented and this album has some great melodies and guitar hooks. Some critics have described this album as a little 'quirky'(?). I don't hear that. I hear a songwriter in her prime. Actually, she has been in her prime for a while. This release is on SubPop and it fits for me. Legendary label and soon to be legendary band.

By the way, Deep Sea Diver is tremendous live. Check out the various YouTube vids of this tour. I think the show I attended at the Belly Up Tavern in San Diego is online in its entirety. Check out this great single, Billboard Heart. 

Various - Northern Soul Collector! (Outta Sight Soul Essentials)(2011)(CD)

 

Having friends that are into music is a joy. I posted on Facebook not too long ago on recommendations of some good Northern Soul labels that may have fallen under my radar. Sure enough, Mr Gordy told me about the Outta Sight label from the UK. The Outta Sight Soul Essentials is a series that seems to be devoted to the type of music that I want to learn more about. The first one up for me is a set of CDs called Northern Soul Collector! This is Vol. 1. Check out Gladys Knight and the Pips with Stop Get A Hold of Myself. Another must buy. On to Vol 2.

Various Artists - Atlantic 1 (Dr Bird)(2023)(2 CD)

Another great reissue of an important Trojan album, originally released in 1975. This version includes a ton of new tracks so that we have a fantastic 2 CD set. Atlantic 1 focuses on the works of producer Alvin "GG" Ranglin. This LP was the second of two aviation themed albums that Trojan put out. For those hardcore fans, the first LP was "Reggae Flight 404" and it has also been reissued and expanded by Dr Bird. 

The number of legendary reggae singers and groups featured on Atlantic 1 is top-notch. For example, you get to hear early releases by Ronnie Davis, Gregory Isaacs, The Meditations, Freddie McKay, and The Maytones. You also will find a great release by the less well known (but still crucial) The Blue Bells - Call Me Teacher. This 2 CD release comes with an informative booklet that provides some context of the music and the times. A must buy. A good reflection of early to mid 70s reggae music in JA.

Various Artists - Loma Northern Soul: Classics & Revelations 1964-1968 (Kent Soul)(2023)CD

 

"Classic dancers and tape vault discovery exclusives from Warner Brothers' famed label"  Another great compilation on the Kent Soul label.  I am on a Northern Soul kick so I am gobbling up these compilations from solid, well-respected labels. There is a lot! Check out a classic Lies - Bobby Freeman. If it is on Kent Soul, you need to buy it.

Various Artists - Psychedelic Soul: Produced by Norman Whitfield (Kent Soul)(2021)CD

Smooth soul is the key feature of this compilation from the UK on the Kent Soul label. All the songs on this various artists CD were produced by Norman Whitfield. Atmospheric and spacious is how these productions are described by the liner notes. For a taste of what I mean, check out Gladys Knight's Look of Love or Rose Royce with Love Don't Live Here Anymore. I am not sure that sound is psychedelic but this is good, smooth soul that should please anyone that likes quality soul music. My basic rule, if the release is on the Kent label...including Kent Soul....it is a must have.